shashivr4

When putting new wheels on an AWD vehicle is it important to 1) keep the overall diameter (wheels and tires) the same as the stock wheels or 2) is it important to keep the overall circumference the same between the front and rear setup? I've read some threads regarding these considerations but couldn't quite interpret what was the important factor? Or is it both?

Also, how does the width come into play? I've read staggered wheels are a no-no for AWD vehicles and don't quite understand why.

Thanks!

CEB

Keeping the overall diameter (often called the rolling diameter) as close to OE as possible is key. The front and rear have the same diameter.

What are you trying to do?

shashivr4

I want to upgrade my 18" AMG wheels on my 2013 Wagon to 19" AMG wheels. I really like the look of the wheels in the below picture:

[IMG][/IMG]

CEB

Yeah. That's not going to work well. Staggered and 4 driven wheels don't play well together. The sizing work either.

shashivr4

So the E63 wago pictures above is 4Matic as well. So, how come it can accommodate those wheels but a E350 4Matic cannot?

GoBlando

The E350 can accomodate it. But it is on you to find a sizing pair so that the total circumference of both tires are with 3% of one another. Also, expect to spend much more on tires after this, since you won't be able to rotate much, if at all depending on the tread style you choose.

shashivr4

The total circumference of the new setup should be within 3% of stock setup or should the total circumference of the new setup be within 3% when comparing the new front setup to the new rear setup?

CEB

The E63 is a different beast and the 4matic software and suspension is calibrated for AWD - sort of.

Remember that in a normal E, the 4Matic is designed for poor weather handling. On the E63, it is set up for dry weather traction.

xxGenericSNxx

It is OK to run staggered on a 4matic setup.

GoBlando

The front and rear can't be different by more than 3%.

ArcticE

Great question and I have been wondering the same. Does anybody know what size wheel and tire combo would work for what I believe the original poster and myself would like to do...change 18x8.5 amg wheels with 245/45/18 to 19" wheels on a 4matic? Thanks.

shashivr4

So, if using a non-staggered set-up, any 19" wheels plus tire combinations would suffice (as there wouldn't be any difference between the front and rear overall diameters)?

Does one need to be mindful of the overall diameters when comparing to the stock setup? Is there a way to recalibrate the speedometer...doea a Mercedes dealership have this capability?

shashivr4

Why do some say it's not OK...any ideas?

Need4Speed

AWD systems do not realize the "width" of the wheel but the overall diameter of the wheel

The main goal is to keep the wheels within 3% of front and rear variation.

As long as it meets those then it will work great.

We do a massive number square and staggered fitments on the AWD systems and they are great !

threeMBs

The following combos will work on W212 E350 and E550 4matics:

18" - 245/40-18 & 285/35-18 (100% same rolling diameter of 25.8"), 245/40-18 & 275/35-18 and 255/40-18 & 285/35-18 will also work as the difference is well withing factory build-in 3% front/rear tolerance. (sport stock 245/40-18 and 265/35-18 will not be a good combination).

19" - 245/35-19 & 285/30-19 (100% same rolling diameter of 25.8"), 245/35-19 & 275/30-19 and 255/35-19 & 285/30-19 (just like E63 W4) will also work as the difference is well withing 3% front/rear tolerance.

KEY08

Lamborghini, Porsche, Audi, etc use staggered setups on their supercar 4 WD from the factory. Matching front to rear circumference is the key so you don't fry a differential, which does happen from time to time on the super cars I mentioned. You should have no issue with staggered wheels if you pay attention.

shashivr4

So wouldn't it make sense to simply go with a non-staggered setup to eliminate the possibility of frying the diff? I'm don't really care if the setup is staggered or not....just want slightly bigger wheels.

threeMBs

Yes it would, but not for that reason. There's no benefit (except maybe looks for some) in running staggered on 4matics especially E350s. 9" wide wheels with 255 section tires (either 18" or 19", your choice) at all corners would be ideal.

E350rulz

It's your choice really. But to me if your going to spend some coin on rims. They should look good and make the car look good. E350 or E550 4matic staggered or not probably is a moot point.

I debated this to death and then went staggered.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/543217-e350-19-vorstiener.html?styleid=19

Pristine

What spec wheels would work best with these tires (width/offset)?
Which one out of these two would you recommend? Would 255/35 be a better option in terms of smoother ride since it there is more rubber between the wheel and road?

Thanks.

Pristine

For this setup, what offset would you recommend for the front and rear?
Also, can you provide the complete tire size information for this setup - front and back (255/?)

Thanks.

CEB

Why do you think there is more rubber between the wheel and the road?

You'll note that the others have all cited "looks" as advantages to going with a staggered setup and they are correct.

Unless the AWD system is initially designed for a staggered setup then you are far better off from a performance standpoint to keep the same size tire on all four corners.

Will your car implode if you run a staggered setup - probably not, but it is very easy for those people selling wheels and those who do not understand vehicle dynamics to say "go for it".

Will your car take a handling hit with staggered wheels sizes? Yes. Will you notice it in daily driving? Probably not (which is why the others say "go for it") but you will notice that handling hit when the chili gets greasy.

Why did you get 4matic?

Pristine

My question was related ride difference between 30 vs 35 profile tires that threeMB pointed out. Not related to staggered/non. In fact, I'm partial to going either way since it doesn't really matter on our cars.

Because it snows around here in winter and I often drive up and down NE where it also snows. 4Matic is must for this reason.

E350rulz

Unfortunately for us in Canada there is no RWD option. All 2014 Es cars are 4matic

KEY08

You're the one that brought up the subject of staggered wheels right from the get go. jeez....